In high school I did track. In my adult life, I love to run/jog and have been able to get back into that since starting at IHCF.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it and how did it feel?

Ashley brought me along with her on the journey of the New Year New You challenge, which I will forever be grateful for! I was always interested in CrossFit, but didn’t know how to join, and was pretty intimidated by it. I cannot remember my first WOD, but I do remember the Baseline workout, which I was pretty certain I was going to die :), but I didn’t. I realized at the time how out of shape I really was, that it was worth it to get healthy and strong, and how I needed to set a better example for my kiddos.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness since starting CrossFit (before/after):

Before CrossFit I was lazy and preferred to do nothing all day. I didn’t track what, or how much of anything, I ate. I was constantly breaking out, was a little on the depressed side, and all of my clothes were uncomfortably tight.

Since starting CrossFit, I prefer to wake up early and get my day started, rather than lying around. On the days I don’t do a CrossFit class, I try to jog so I can be active every day. I eat for purpose (more times than not), and eat way more than I ever thought I could while still losing weight. I’ve found what you eat really does fuel your workouts (either in a positive or negative way depending on what you eat).

Believe in myself, and loving myself enough to get healthy through CrossFit, has changed me physically and mentally so much in just 3 months. Since starting at IHCF, I have lost 23lbs, almost 4 pants sizes, and a lot of negativity… but GAINED a better attitude, self worth, and a bunch of new friends!

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected:

I feel like a much more confident person in all aspects of my life. Believing in myself at the gym transforms my inner voice outside of the gym as well.

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit/IHCF moments:

The stink and drink was a blast. It was fun to get everyone together and let loose. My favorite times are when myself and others accomplish something they didn’t think they could. It’s a great feeling and the energy is contagious!

Any advice for people just getting started:

Just keep going! It may be intimidating when you walk in, but everyone is so helpful and encouraging. Soon you will find your groove and you won’t want to leave!

What are your hobbies, interests, and/or talents outside of CrossFit:

My two daughters play softball, so most of the summer/fall we are at the ball fields. My oldest is in select ball so we are doing softball related activities year round. I’m also going back to school to advance my career as a Nurse Practitioner.